Austin’s drinking tours showcase the best of this lively Texas capital. The standout experiences start with the Haunted Pub Crawl, combining local spooky tales with tasty drinks in historic bars. My favorite tour is the Small Group Pub Walk – it’s intimate, informative, and lets you really connect with Austin’s past while enjoying local beverages.
The Brew Bus Tour hits all the right notes for beer lovers, mixing craft beer tastings with Austin’s famous live music scene. For serious beer enthusiasts, the 4-Hour Signature Brewery Tour offers excellent value with generous tastings and expert insights into the brewing process.
Hi, I’m Rick, and these are my top picks for exploring Austin’s dynamic drinking scene.
Good To Know
- Austin offers a range of haunted pub crawls and brewery tours that combine ghost stories, local history, and beer tastings.
- Brew Bus Tour, 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour, and Metro Rail Brewery Tour provide immersive, guided experiences at multiple local breweries.
- Small Group Pub Walk Tour, Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl, and Private Austin Bar Hop offer guided bar hopping experiences with varying group sizes and inclusions.
- Unique tour options like the Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl, Public Pedal Pub Tour, and Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree provide novel drinking experiences.
- Transportation-focused tours like the Half-Day Hill Country Shuttle and Bar Hopping on Lake Austin Boat Tour offer comfort and convenience for exploring Austin’s drinking scene.
Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour
Oftentimes, the Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour takes participants on an engaging exploration of the city’s Old West history and spooky urban legends.
This four-hour evening tour, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars with 184 reviews, guides guests through various bars and historical landmarks while sharing captivating stories.
For $29.99 per person, attendees can enjoy the combination of a ghost tour and pub crawl, with the opportunity to purchase drinks at each stop.
Though some have reported minor issues with organization, the tour generally receives positive feedback for its storytelling and the enjoyable mix of history and bar exploration.
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Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin With Professional Guide
For those seeking a more intimate exploration of Austin’s historic pub scene, the Small Group Pub Walk Tour provides a curated experience.
This walking tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, offers a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence. Guests can expect to hear unique stories, haunted tales, and hidden histories as they visit several unique pubs, including cocktail bars and speakeasies.
The tour also includes a walk through the historic lobby of the Driskill Hotel and a discount on Voodoo Doughnuts.
While food and alcoholic beverages aren’t included, the tour promises an informative and fun outing, making it an ideal choice for groups and first-time visitors to Austin.
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The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour With Live Band
Amid Austin’s vibrant beer scene, the Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band offers an immersive experience that delights both visitors and locals alike.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 58 travelers, this 3.5-hour tour takes participants to three local breweries, where they can sample a variety of Austin’s finest brews.
Aboard a bus with a live band, the experience is enhanced by the lively atmosphere and knowledgeable local guides.
Inclusions such as beer tastings, a small meal, and BYOB privileges ensure a well-rounded and convenient outing.
Praised for its fun ambiance, great music, and expert guides, the Brew Bus tour provides a stress-free and unforgettable way to explore Austin’s thriving craft beer culture.
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4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour
The 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour offers an immersive experience for beer enthusiasts visiting the vibrant craft beer scene of Austin. Rated 5.0 overall with 97% traveler recommendation, this small-group tour visits three popular local breweries, including Zilker Brewing Company, Brewtorium Brewery and Kitchen, and Celis Brewery.
Participants enjoy up to 12 beer tastings, a beer-inspired meal, and snacks, all while being transported comfortably by private vehicle. With an expert beer guide leading the way, guests receive behind-the-scenes access and personalized service, making this tour a highlight for many visitors to the city.
The flexible booking and stress-free experience add to the appeal of this comprehensive brewery exploration.
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Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl
Offering a lively journey through Austin’s vibrant downtown, the Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl invites visitors to enjoy the city’s renowned live music scene.
This guided tour visits multiple bars, showcasing a diverse range of live performances. While the experience receives generally positive reviews, some guests have reported issues with guide engagement and group size management.
Catering to first-time visitors, the tour provides historical context and local insights, though independent bar hopping may offer better value for some.
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Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle From Austin
For those seeking to explore the renowned craft beverage scene of Texas Hill Country, the Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin offers a convenient and immersive experience.
This small-group tour transports visitors in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes Van Sprinter to three popular breweries and distilleries. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide provides insights and facilitates personal interactions.
The tour includes round-trip transport, alcoholic beverages, and the option to purchase lunch. With a 5.0 rating from 24 reviews and 100% recommendation, this shuttle tour promises an enjoyable and bonding experience for up to 10 travelers aged 21 and over.
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Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour
Haunted Austin Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour transports participants through the historic downtown district of Austin, where they’ll visit 2-4 haunted bars and learn about the city’s eerie past.
This 2.5-hour tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers aged 21 and up, is led by a local guide who shares chilling ghost stories. Guests can purchase alcoholic drinks during the tour and receive a commemorative can cooler.
While the overall experience has a 4.0 rating based on 21 reviews, one past participant criticized the tour as “disappointing and overpriced,” citing issues with misleading advertisement and fewer bars visited than promised.
Physical fitness and appropriate weather attire are required, as the tour operates year-round.
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Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat
The Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Pontoon Boat takes participants on a 2.5-hour adventure exploring the waterways of Lake Travis.
The tour visits two popular venues, Beachside Billys and Shack 512, where guests can enjoy food and drinks at their own expense. Travelers are welcome to bring their own alcohol aboard the boat, which comes equipped with a cooler and is captained by an experienced guide.
Though not wheelchair accessible, most visitors can participate. Reviews of the tour are mixed, with some noting accessibility and service issues, while others praise the scenic views and the professionalism of the captain.
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Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin
After exploring the watery wonders of Lake Travis, adventurers can now embark on a different kind of drinking tour in Austin – the Public Pedal Pub Tour.
This fun, electric pedal mobile experience allows participants to visit up to three bars while enjoying drinks and music. The 15-passenger tour is ideal for celebrations like bachelorette or bachelor parties, with a flexible duration and BYOB policy for canned drinks.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour offers beautiful scenery and a perfect 5.0 rating from 10 reviews praising the friendly drivers and lively atmosphere.
Whether seeking a unique way to explore Austin’s nightlife or celebrate a special occasion, the Public Pedal Pub Tour delivers an unforgettable experience.
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Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl
Adventurous travelers can embark on a lively Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl, an evening experience that showcases the vibrant nightlife of the city.
During the 4-hour tour, you will visit up to five popular venues, including the iconic Coyote Ugly Saloon, and enjoy alcoholic shots and drink discounts at each stop.
Activities like riding a mechanical bull and playing drinking games are also part of the itinerary.
The tour starts at 8:00 PM and ends at 6th East Ave, with the meeting point being Coyote Ugly Saloon.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
Priced from €57.02 per person, the VIP Bar & Club Crawl promises an unforgettable night of revelry in downtown Austin.
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Bar Hopping on Lake Austin Boat Tour
For those seeking a unique drinking experience in Austin, the Bar Hopping on Lake Austin Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant lakefront.
The private boat tour accommodates up to 15 passengers, with a customizable experience led by a knowledgeable captain. Guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages and snacks as they visit popular spots like Bull Creek, known for its lively atmosphere.
The tour starts and ends at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp, providing convenient transportation. While not recommended for those with medical conditions or limited mobility, the tour is service animal friendly and stroller accessible.
Booking confirmation is provided upon reservation, ensuring a private and personalized adventure on the water.
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Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl
The Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree offers thrill-seekers an interactive, app-guided adventure through the lively bar scene of Sixth Street.
Participants take on individual roles as Braniacs, Photographers, or Mappers, completing challenges for points and the coveted Bar Hunt Champion title.
Featuring a self-guided scavenger hunt, the experience includes access to maps, photo tasks, riddles, and leaderboards through the Lets Roam app.
The activity takes place along Austin’s renowned Sixth Street, starting and ending at Cheers Shot Bar.
With no reservations required, this flexible format allows for a personalized exploration of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
While alcohol is involved, the activity is open to those 21 and up with a moderate fitness level.
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Metro Rail Brewery Tour Across Austin
Craft beer enthusiasts can embark on an engaging Metro Rail Brewery Tour across Austin. The tour includes visits to three local breweries, providing insights into beer production.
Up to 60oz of beer tastings per person are included, along with a 24-hour MetroRail ticket for transportation. Snacks are available for purchase at each stop.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. With a maximum group size of 20 travelers, the tour could be ideal for beer lovers.
Unfortunately, based on a single 1-star review, the overall experience may not have met expectations.
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Private Austin Bar Hop With Pre-Dinner Cocktail
A private Austin bar hop with a pre-dinner cocktail, hosted by Texas Tipsy Tours, offers an engaging evening of exploring the city’s lively bar scene.
The tour starts at 5:30 PM and includes private transportation, a pre-dinner cocktail at Whislers, and potential cover charges and additional cocktails at other bars. Guests can expect to pay around $5 per person for average admission fees.
The tour pickup is available within a 1-mile radius of the Texas State Capital, with additional fees for pickups outside this area.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
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The Sum Up
Austin offers a vibrant drinking scene with a variety of tours to explore the city’s top bars and breweries. From haunted pub crawls to boat tours and brewery hopping, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these tours provide a fun and convenient way to discover Austin’s thriving drinking culture.